Pyrography: A Dying Craft

August de Pauw is one of the few remaining people who still practice pyrography in Antwerp. His penchant for the picturesque corners and sides of the city where he was born. But people are also interested in him. For example, one can find portraits of Hysmans, Zielens, Tunmermans, and others in some houses.

In his study, which he calls both "sanctuary" and "rommelkot" [junk room? Craft room?], we get to see some of his pyro-engravings and are immediately immersed in the familiar atmosphere of old Antwerp. The Repenstraatje, the Vlaaikenagang, Oude Koornmarkt, the Steen with crossbones, etc.

August works after sketches and paintings by, among others, Dirk Bakoteen, Franc Van Immersee. Also to remarkable photos. On his work table there is now one of the burning Saint Paul's Church…

Russian School

Where did he learn this trade? In Russia. How did he get there? At the age of thirteen he went to the industry school in Tournai. After three years of study, he moved to Paris and worked there in the aircraft engine factory to specialize in the chosen profession. After seven years he traveled from Paris to Moscow with a work contract in his pocket. In Moscow he met a fellow countryman, a certain Clerckx, owner of a factory where dovetailed wooden jewelry boxes were manufactured. Each lid of those boxes was decorated with a pyro-engraving.

August was immediately won over for the beauty of these engravings. An excellent artist, he learned the craft in a relatively short time. He did not abandon his profession as a diesel specialist, because too many years of study had been set up for him. But his great love went out to pyrography, and so it has remained.

The Pyro-Engraving

Finnish poplar is the ideal wood for pyrography. It is the only species that retains its original shape, even in high heat weather. Moreover, it has no veins and is nicely flamed, “just have a look,” says our host.

How is a pyro-engraving created? A thin slice of Finnish poplar is glued to a wood fiber block about eight millimeters thick. It is then processed with pore filling based on acetone. Apply the drawing in outline. Then it is the turn of the fire marker. Be careful that she does not slip, otherwise you start all over again -- a scratch cannot be removed. This is not a painting on which mistakes can be repainted.

If one wants to use color, then the lines of the drawing are burned in deeper to prevent the paint from running. this "paint" consists of chemicals. mercurochrome for red, methylene for blue, permanganese for dark brown, mixture of methylene and pyridine for green, bleach for white, and from pyridin one obtains yellow and orange. As soon as the engraving is dry it is polished, it is ready.

Few Candidates

In the past people had to rely on the transverse cross-section of native trees, glowing awls in Antwerp did not come later. Now Finnish poplar is available. Yet there is a spiritus flame, the gas flame over electric fuel posts. Strange observation: the easier it all becomes, the fewer candidates. Officially, fence box is therefore no longer taught.

Gifted draughtsmen who would like it anyway, can highlight the formula from this article. August is of the opinion that it would be a shame to let such a beautiful craft disappear without lifting a finger to rescue it.

He brings out more engravings, including a very characteristic head of Tijl. Tijl with a blue cap. Polished, the methylene will shine beautifully. Our host talks about his plans all the time. Nele will be there too, and the Lamme ...